Lt. Scott Custer finds it hard to believe that last December marked his 25th year at the South Windsor Police Department. He has held many positions during his tenure at the station and currently serves as the lieutenant of the Support Services Division.

"As commander of Support Services, I oversee the building, the fleet, the radio system, all the equipment, the dispatchers, records, public information, recruiting and hiring, the evidence function, and the traffic function," Custer said.

Before becoming an officer, Custer worked at Pratt & Whitney, but had wanted to work in law enforcement since he was exposed to the world of policemen in his younger years.

"My dad had friends who were police officers at the Manchester Police Department, and I did a couple of rounds with them," he said. "Lt. John Mott, who has since retired, took me around on ride-alongs. That's what gave me the bug to become a police officer." Custer added that he was inspired by Mott's professionalism and how he dealt with the public.

Custer had initially planned to apply at the Manchester Police Department, but the department wasn't hiring at the time. He then applied to South Windsor, and the rest is history. "It was the first application I put in, and I very fortunate to be considered and hired on my first try," said Custer.

Though he spends the majority of his time at the station, Custer said he still enjoys going out and helping the traffic division during busy times like he did this past Halloween. The husband and father of two said that, along with acting as the Public Information Officer, are his favorite duties.

"Interacting with the public and the media gives us a chance to let people know the positives that we're doing, like the Special Olympics, the food and fuel bank, and award ceremonies," Custer said. "It's not all about the tragedies."

Custer said that one of the most exciting moments of his career was when he apprehended a suspect that was carrying a loaded gun who had been threatening residents at a local bar.

"The radio dispatcher broadcast the license plate when I was driving, and I happened to be right behind him and waited for a safe place and took him out at gun-point," he said.

Custer has worked many positions at the department including youth officer and criminal investigator because South Windsor officers rotate jobs every two to five years. He said he is thankful for that because he has learned various responsibilities.

"It makes for well-rounded officers," he said.

In November of last year Custer completed classes for his master's degree in Public Administration at the University of New Haven. He said he thinks he's done with school for now, but is looking ahead for what's next in his future.

"When I retire I would like to continue on with public service, whether I continue here with this agency or move on to another one," he said. "We'll see."

His next big project as lieutenant will be helping to redesign the department's website to make it easier to operate. He said the goal is to make everything regarding the department more accessible to residents and that everyone at the department prides themselves on their relationships with the community.

"Everyone here really works on community service," he said. "It's an honorable profession and there are still a lot of men and women who want to get into it for the right reasons."